“How did you?—”
“Someone got a video, and it’s trending. I think the caption said something likeBarista Goes Ninja on Handsy Photographer.” She shows me her phone. “The comments are wild. Even the other photographers backed off after that.Don’t mess with Red Menaceis trending locally.”
“Wow,” I say.
“No, it’s good! People are on your side. Even Craig’s supporters are saying the photographer deserved it.”
My brows furrow. “Craig has supporters?”
“He’s been playing victim all week. But this?” She gestures at her phone. “This shows you’re not some damsel he needs to save.”
“I’veneverbeen a damsel.”
“I know that. Now everyone else does too. Red Menace strikes again.” Blaire grins.
Nick looks between us. “Did you do derby too?”
“Only for a year, and then I quit. I learned that I’m too fragile. Look at me,” Blaire says.
“What was your derby name?”
She laughs. “I was The Blair Witch Project.”
“Of course you were,” Nick mutters, but he’s smiling. “You know, I have a friend I should hook you up with.”
Blaire immediately shakes her head, her cat earrings jingling. “I don’t do setups. I want the universe to put the right man in my path. Oh, before I forget … I brought supplies.” She gestures at the bags. “Wine, tequila, chocolate, whipped cream.” She waggles her brows, then moves to the next bag. “Sage to cleanse the negative energy and Chinese food because I know you both probably haven’t eaten since breakfast.”
“Thank you so much,” I tell her. “You’re the best. Do you want to stay and hang out?”
She shakes her head. “Nah, I’m going to go home and pet my cat, then rot in my bed.”
Nick gives her a look. “What does that mean?”
“Exactly what I said. Take it how you want.” Blaire bursts into laughter. “If you need anything, please let me know. Happy to deliver it to you.”
After a deep breath, Blaire opens the door and steps out. She uses the sidewalk like a runway and then disappears through the crowd.
“Now what?” I ask.
Nick lifts the bottle of tequila. “We continue the party.”
We do shots, then collapse on the couch with the Chinese food. While we eat, my phone continues to buzz with notifications and texts. When I’ve had enough, I finally check it.
Mom
Are you okay? Dad saw the video of you defending yourself. He’s so proud.
Julie
Fine. I’m home. Safe. Nick is with me. We’re eating Chinese food.
I open the next text.
Craig
I saw what you did to that photographer. That’s not the gentle Julie I know. Nick’s changing you for the worse.
I show it to Nick. “He’s still watching everything.”
